Spirit of the American Doughboy

The "Spirit of the American Doughboy" monument honors local men and women of Phillips County who served in World War I. The monument was erected in 1927 after nine years of work by the Phillips County Memorial Association, aided by the Seven Generals Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Helena's Doughboy monument is not unique; it is part of a nationwide series of Doughboy sculptures designed by artist E. M. "Dick" Viquesney. Although the exact total is uncertain, 136 Viquesney Doughboys have been identified so far in 35 different states and some experts consider it one of the most-seen pieces of outdoor statuary in the nation. The Helena Doughboy is one of only two specifically designated Viquesney Doughboys on the National Register of Historic Places. The other is at Fort Smith, Arkansas.